Android Auto Keeps Disconnecting? 8 Fixes That Work
When Android Auto keeps disconnecting and reconnecting, the cause is nearly always one of four things: the cable, the USB port, a battery saving setting on the phone, or the head unit itself. Work through the fixes below in order, testing after each one, because the first two solve most cases.
Wired Android Auto: start with the cable and port
1. Swap the cable
A worn or cheap cable is the most common cause. Android Auto needs a data cable, not a charge-only one, and short cables are more reliable than long ones. Try a short, good quality cable, ideally the one that came with the phone.
2. Try another USB port and clean it
Some cars have a USB port that only charges. Lint in the phone's port also stops the plug seating fully, so the connection breaks over bumps. Check the port with a torch and clear it gently with a wooden toothpick.
Phone settings
3. Stop battery saving from closing Android Auto
Many Android phones, Samsung in particular, close apps in the background to save power. Open Settings, then Apps, then Android Auto, then Battery, and set it to unrestricted. Turn off any setting that puts unused apps to sleep for Android Auto.
4. Update and reset Android Auto
Update Android Auto and Google Play services. If that does not help, clear the Android Auto cache in the app settings, remove the car from the list of connected cars, and connect again.
5. Restart both the phone and the head unit
A restart clears stuck connections. Turn the car off, open and close the door so the head unit shuts down fully, and start again.
Wireless Android Auto
6. Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Wireless Android Auto starts over Bluetooth and then runs over Wi-Fi, so both must stay on. Turn off any setting that switches Wi-Fi off automatically, and forget other car Bluetooth connections you no longer use.
7. Watch for heat
Wireless Android Auto, navigation and wireless charging together make a phone hot. A hot phone can drop the connection. If it disconnects mostly on sunny days, try the phone out of the wireless charger or in a vent mount.
The head unit
8. Update or check the head unit
Check whether the head unit has a firmware update. If Android Auto drops out with a known good cable and a second phone does the same, the fault is in the head unit or its USB wiring. A loose USB extension behind the dash is a common culprit after an install.
When you can stop here, and when to call someone
If a new cable or the battery setting fixed it, you are done. If two phones disconnect in the same car, or the head unit is old and slow, a modern unit with built-in wireless Android Auto is often the real fix. See Android Auto installation, or read what Android Auto is and how to get it. iPhone users with the same problem can try our CarPlay fixes.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Android Auto keep disconnecting and reconnecting?
The connection is breaking for a moment and restarting. A worn cable, a loose port, or the phone closing Android Auto to save battery are the usual reasons.
Why does wireless Android Auto keep disconnecting?
Wireless Android Auto needs Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to stay on. Battery saving, automatic Wi-Fi switching and a hot phone are the common causes.
Does the cable really matter for Android Auto?
Yes. Android Auto sends a lot of data through the cable, so a charge-only, long or damaged cable often causes dropouts even when it still charges the phone.
Can a new head unit fix Android Auto disconnecting?
If the fault is in the head unit or its wiring, yes. Test with a known good cable and a second phone first, so you know where the problem is.